3 arrested for stealing gas from Fontana station

The van allegedly used to steal gas is seen in this photo provided by police.

May 23, 2013 12:00:00 AM PDT

FONTANA, Calif. --

Three men were arrested after being caught stealing fuel from a Fontana gas station by an off-duty police officer.

Authorities say an off-duty Fontana police officer was at the Mobil gas station at 16925 Foothill Boulevard when he observed a van in the parking lot with a Toyota Camry parked next to it with people who appeared to be lookouts.

According to the officer, the van appeared to be sucking fuel from the underground tanks.

Police responded to the scene and detained the suspects. Officers confirmed the off-duty officer's suspicions and determined that the suspects made it look like the van was broken down and parked it over one of the access holes for the tanks.

Investigators say the suspects had been at the same gas station on Tuesday and had siphoned as much as 300 gallons of fuel over two days.